Digital SAT: Function & Purpose 3

1. The following text is adapted from Ralph Waldo Emerson’s essay “Self-Reliance” (1841).

A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines. With consistency a great soul has simply nothing to do. He may as well concern himself with his shadow on the wall.Which choice best describes the function of the underlined sentence in the text as a whole?

A) It provides a literal example of how consistency affects behavior.

B) It clarifies the definition of “consistency” as used in the passage.

C) It introduces a new argument about physical perception.

D) It uses figurative language to emphasize the insignificance of consistency.

Question 1 of 10

2. The following text discusses the introduction of railroads in the 19th century.

Before railroads, transporting goods over long distances was slow and expensive, often relying on animal power or waterways. The expansion of rail networks dramatically reduced travel time and cost. This shift not only altered commerce but also reshaped patterns of settlement and migration.Which choice best describes the function of the underlined sentence in the text as a whole?

A) It narrows the focus to a specific industry affected by railroads.

B) It extends the discussion by identifying broader societal effects.

C) It questions whether railroads were truly efficient.

D) It provides a detailed account of how railroads were constructed.

Question 2 of 10

3. The following text is adapted from Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter (1850).

Hester stood before the crowd, conscious of every eye fixed upon her. Though she maintained her composure, she felt the weight of their judgment. That silent scrutiny was, in some ways, more oppressive than open condemnation.Which choice best describes the function of the underlined sentence in the text as a whole?

A) It contrasts two forms of judgment to highlight their relative impact.

B) It explains why the crowd refuses to speak.

C) It suggests that Hester prefers public criticism over secretive scrutiny.

D) It introduces a new setting for the scene.

Question 3 of 10

4. The following text discusses the development of electric light.

Early electric lamps were inefficient and short-lived, limiting their practical use. Improvements in filament materials and vacuum technology gradually increased their reliability. These advancements made electric lighting a viable alternative to gas lamps.Which choice best describes the function of the underlined sentence in the text as a whole?

A) It summarizes the technical details of filament construction.

B) It explains the consequence of the improvements described earlier.

C) It introduces a competing lighting technology.

D) It questions whether electric light was widely adopted.

Question 4 of 10

5. The following text is adapted from Jane Austen’s Emma (1815).

Emma believed herself well qualified to judge the feelings of others, often with great confidence. Yet her conclusions were not always correct. Indeed, her certainty sometimes prevented her from recognizing her own errors.Which choice best describes the function of the underlined sentence in the text as a whole?

A) It provides an example that reinforces the previous claim.

B) It introduces a contradiction that weakens the earlier statement.

C) It elaborates on the consequences of Emma’s overconfidence.

D) It shifts the focus to another character’s perspective.

Question 5 of 10

6. The following text discusses the study of ancient fossils.

Fossils provide valuable evidence about organisms that lived millions of years ago. However, the fossil record is incomplete, as not all organisms are equally likely to be preserved. As a result, scientists must interpret the available evidence with caution.Which choice best describes the function of the underlined sentence in the text as a whole?

A) It introduces a new method for discovering fossils.

B) It presents a conclusion drawn from the limitation described earlier.

C) It argues that fossils are unreliable sources of information.

D) It describes how fossils are formed.

Question 6 of 10

7. The following text is adapted from Charles Dickens’s Great Expectations (1861).

Pip had long imagined that wealth would bring him happiness and respect. When he finally came into money, however, he found himself uneasy and dissatisfied. The reality did not align with the expectations he had so carefully constructed.Which choice best describes the function of the underlined sentence in the text as a whole?

A) It restates the main idea in more specific terms.

B) It explains why Pip loses his fortune that he had long desired.

C) It introduces a new source of Pip’s wealth.

D) It summarizes the contrast between expectation and experience.

Question 7 of 10

8. The following text discusses the scientific method.

Scientists often begin with a hypothesis, which they then test through observation and experimentation. If the results do not support the hypothesis, it may be revised or discarded. This process allows scientific knowledge to evolve over time.Which choice best describes the function of the underlined sentence in the text as a whole?

A) It defines the term “hypothesis.”

B) It explains the broader significance of the process described earlier.

C) It introduces a criticism of scientific methods.

D) It provides a historical example of scientific discovery.

Question 8 of 10

9. The following text is adapted from Harriet Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin (1852).

Eliza moved quickly, driven by fear and determination. The path ahead was uncertain, and the risks were great. Yet hesitation would have been more dangerous than any step forward.Which choice best describes the function of the underlined sentence in the text as a whole?

A) It introduces a comparison that justifies Eliza’s actions.

B) It suggests that Eliza regrets her decision.

C) It describes the physical obstacles in Eliza’s path that she needs to overcome.

D) It explains why Eliza chooses to turn back.

Question 9 of 10

10. The following text discusses economic specialization.

In many economies, individuals focus on producing specific goods or services rather than attempting to produce everything they need. This specialization can increase efficiency and output. However, it also creates a reliance on others for goods and services.Which choice best describes the function of the underlined sentence in the text as a whole?

A) It introduces a benefit that strengthens the earlier claim.

B) It presents a limitation that balances the earlier advantage.

C) It defines the concept of specialization.

D) It provides an example of a specialized worker.

Question 10 of 10